Englished and Recomposed for 5th graders by Ehab Shawky
Part I
Our hero tonight is a very unique one indeed. The main reason for this is that he never knew how special he was. He never considered himself a better person than his companions. Actually, he always considered himself the worst of them all. This last thought always urged him to do better. Sincerity was his utmost goal in life. Some would say that even the devil would fear our hero’s true heart. Nonetheless, this wasn’t always the case. A huge event turned our hero from being a man of no significance into one of the greatest men in history. Before that event, Omar Ibn Al-Khattab was a simple cattle raiser. His tribe chose him to be their ambassador because of his eloquence, strong personality, and giant figure. Whenever they had a quarrel with another tribe, they sent Omar to negotiate peace terms. Like most Arabs, his tribe were idolaters. They were mostly unlettered and didn’t know Allah’s laws.
When Omar was 28 years old, something huge happened. Allah sent the archangel with revelations to a man from among Omar’s tribe. This man’s name was Muhammad. People knew Muhammad as a truthful and faithful man. Yet, Omar and the majority of their tribe denied his prophethood. Muhammad declared his tribe’s customs and faith false. He preached the worship of our creator alone and forsaking all idols. He declared that idolatry is a form of corruption that Arabs must end. This steered enmity towards him. Omar—among many others—led a persecution campaign against Muhammad and his followers. This continued and escalated for years. Many lost their lives or loved ones. ‘Muslims,’ was the name given to Muhammad and his followers. It means, ‘Those who have surrendered to the One True God.’
When the persecution became unbearable, Prophet Muhammad advised his followers to escape to Abyssinia. Among those followers was one of Omar’s female cousins. When Omar saw her leaving, he approached her and asked, “Are you leaving Um-Abdullah?” She replied angrily, “Yes. You are persecuting us for choosing our faith. We will leave you and seek our freedom elsewhere.” On hearing his cousin’s words, something broke within Omar’s convictions. He replied in a sad tone, “May you arrive safely to your destination,” and then left. Later on, Um-Abdullah reported to her husband what had happened. She described to him that she felt some grief and tenderness in Omar’s voice. “I hope he would change his mind and make victorious what’s right,” she said. Knowing how stubborn Omar was, her husband told her not to put much hope in that thought. How wrong he was!
With time, more people believed in Prophet Muhammad’s call. Meanwhile, the persecution campaign became worse. Most of those who embraced the prophet’s teachings were the slaves and the poor. The morale and justice in what he preached was the reason for this. This outraged the rich slave owners. It horrified the merchants who sold the idols. The prophet’s call was to reduce their power and wealth. They convened together and decided to stop the prophet’s call at any cost. Omar’s greatest concern was the division he saw occurring in the community. He believed that the prophet’s call was weakening their tribe. That, he could not accept or allow to happen. At that time, Omar hated the prophet so much. Nonetheless, the cause of his hatred was his ignorance of what the prophet preached. This is the case dear ones until this day with all Islam deniers. People hate what they don’t understand. Many are even too arrogant to seek knowledge. May all the deceived open their hearts to the light of truth. “Truth-seeking” is a commonsense obligation.
One day, one of Omar’s friends informed him of something that shocked him. He told him that his sister, Fatima, and her husband, Sa’eed, followed Muhammad. Enraged by the news, Omar hurried to his sister’s house. When he stood at the door, he heard voices chanting. He knocked on the door with anger. “Who’s at the door?” Fatima asked. “Omar,” he answered. Fatima let him in. When he entered, he asked, “What was this chanting I heard?”
Sa’eed faltered then said, “Nothing, we were just talking together…” “Did you follow Muhammad?” Omar interrupted. A moment of silence passed, and then Sa’eed said, “How be it, Omar, if goodness and virtue were in his faith and not yours?” Enraged by this response, Omar struck Sa’eed down. Fatima tried to stop him, but he struck her too bleeding her nose.
She shouted, “O you truth denier, do you hit me for choosing to worship our creator alone and associate none with him?” Omar said in anger, “Yes.” Fatima retorted, “Then do whatever you want. I bear witness that there is only one true God and that Muhammad is his messenger.” Fatima’s fearless persistence shocked Omar. Regretting what he’s done, he backed away and collapsed on the nearest pillow. “Show me part of what he preaches,” Omar said.
Fatima refused but he told her, “Calm down, Fatima. What you said has touched my heart.
Give me some of what you’ve written from his teachings. I promise to return it to you unharmed.” Fatima said, “These are our creator’s words. You are not allowed to touch them unless you are in a state of purity. Perform ablution first, then I will give it to you.”
Omar performed ablution and returned. Fatima gave him a papyrus holding part of the Qur’an. Omar started reading, and Fatima noticed a change in his voice. After he finished, he raised his head and said in shock, “Were we turning our backs to this! Where can I find Muhammad?”
Suddenly, a man hurried into the room. He was Sa’eed and Fatima’s friend. His name was Khabbaab. He used to visit them secretly and teach them what he learned from the Prophet. When Omar knocked on the door, Sa’eed ordered Khabbaab to hide until Omar left. That was to protect him from Omar’s wrath. From his hiding place, Khabbaab heard all that had happened. When Omar showed the will to repent, Khabbaab was unable to stay silent. He left his hiding place and ran towards Omar saying, “I bring you glad tidings, Omar. I heard the prophet say, ‘O Allah, strengthen our ranks with the most beloved to you among those two men, Omar Ibn Al-Khattab or Amr Ibn Hesham.’ ” Omar said, “Tell me where I can find the prophet, Khabbaab.” “He’s at Al-Arqam’s house. That’s where he meets his followers and educates them about their religion.” Khabbaab replied.
Omar headed towards Al-Arqam’s house. On hearing his knocks, Al-Arqam looked from behind the door to see who it was. When he identified Omar—whom they considered an enemy at that moment—he refused to open. He also informed the prophet. The prophet’s uncle, Hamza, was among the attendees. He was a fearless man of great strength. He got up saying, “Open the door. If he seeks something good, we shall go easy on him. But if it’s something else, we are not few, we can stop him.” When Omar walked in, Hamza and another man grabbed his arms and pulled him towards the prophet. “Let the man be,” the prophet said. The prophet then got up and grabbed Omar by his clothes. When he did this, Omar fell on his knees in reverence. The prophet looked him in the eyes and said, “When are you going to repent, Omar? Embrace the truth and stand with what’s right.” The prophet then poked his chest and continued,
“O Allah, guide his heart to the truth.” At that moment, Omar’s arrogance, self-conceit, and physical strength melt away. Something else replaced them, something much stronger.
He replied, “I bear witness that there is only one God and that you are his messenger.”
And that was another history-changing moment. It was the moment Omar Ibn Al-Khattab embraced Islam.
Whatever happened before that moment is way different from what happened after it. But that’s a story for another night. Sleep tight children, may our heroes visit you in your dreams. May they guide you. May their heroic spirits fill your hearts and minds, Amen.
Part II
After Omar embraced Islam, his previous persecution of Muslims became his greatest guilt. How did I allow myself to do such atrocities? was a question he asked himself. As stated earlier, Omar’s main characteristic was sincerity. As such, he decided to take difficult measures to make victorious what’s right. He went to his uncle, Amr Ibn-Hesham, and knocked on the door. That man was one of the tribe’s dignitaries and a mighty persecutor of Muslims. When Amr opened, Omar said, “Haven’t you learned?” His uncle asked, “Learned what, nephew?” Omar said, “I have embraced Islam.” His uncle was enraged and tried to talk him out of it. Nonetheless, Omar refused and left. He then went to the sacred mosque and declared to all people that he had embraced Islam. Many idolaters attacked him like they did with other Muslims. Omar stood fast. He fought them back with all his strength striking down those who dared attack him. More and more people gathered around, among them was his mighty uncle. Amr shouted, “Stop. I have granted Omar my protection.” The idolaters backed away in respect to their leader. However, Omar didn’t accept this and said to his uncle, “I refuse your protection.” Of course, that’s what a sincere person would do. Why would he receive any special treatment aside from the others? When he said that, the idolaters attacked him with more anger. Their trials to break Omar were in vain. He continued to fight them back until they lost all hope to break his will. What must have struck them the most was one question: What kind of faith would urge a man to throw himself into such danger?
One of Prophet Muhammad’s companions saw this incident. Years later, he reported it to his students then said, “We [Muslims] have been living with dignity ever since that day.” That companion’s name was Abdullah Ibn Mas‘ud. Though one of the bravest companions himself, that’s how he described Omar’s reversion to Islam. Ibn Mas‘ud was the first man to recite the Qur’an at the Sacred Mosque. When the idolaters attacked him and beat him up, he continued to recite the Qur’an until he blacked out. One would wonder, what kind of men would act so bravely and why? I guess the secret will always be in their faith. May Allah grant us the ability to follow their example and live with dignity as they did, Amen.
After the previous incident, Omar returned to the prophet and his companions. He said,
“O prophet, aren’t we following the right path?” The prophet answered, “Yes, we are.” Omar then said, “Then why should we be the ones to hide? By Allah, let’s all go out and pray at the mosque openly.” Knowing Omar’s sincerity, the prophet agreed. He organized his companions in two ranks. Omar led one, and Hamza—the prophet’s uncle—led the other. Forty men was their approximate number. As the prophet led them towards the sacred mosque, people stood in awe. How could these few men act so boldly? Although the idolaters were many, no one dared to stop them. On that day, Prophet Muhammad nicknamed Omar, “Al-Farouk.” A word that means, ‘One who distinguishes righteousness from falsehood.’
From that day on, Omar never left the prophet’s side. He became one of the prophet’s closest companions. The idolaters sensed huge danger. Hamza and Omar’s reversion to Islam took place in the same week. That was a grand blow to their power. Hence, they intensified their persecution campaign against the weak Muslims. Starvation, torture, siege, execution, etc., were part of their campaign. The prophet and his companions tried their best to help those who were weak. One example is companion Abu-Bakr, the prophet’s closest friend. He used to buy Muslim slaves, and then emancipate them. Others smuggled water and food secretly to the Muslims besieged by the idolaters. Despite the ongoing events, Prophet Muhammad never stopped preaching his message. He continued to deliver its teachings to others. The idolaters were frustrated that the Muslims’ spirit didn’t break. Not one Muslim forsook his faith. Their leaders convened and reached a decision. They decided to kill Prophet Muhammad to stop Islam from spreading. Allah revealed to the prophet their scheme and ordered him to immigrate to Madinah.
Madinah was a city 500 km north of Makkah where the prophet lived. At that time, its people had mostly embraced Islam and sworn allegiance to the prophet. As the leader of his people, Prophet Muhammad ordered all Muslims to immigrate to Madinah. He wanted to make sure that all his followers were safe before he would immigrate himself. Muslims started to immigrate secretly. The way was too long. Back then it took two weeks to travel 500 km. The idolaters chased after the Muslims trying to either kill them or bring them back to Makkah. They knew that this collective immigration would destroy their image all over Arabia. The risk was sky-high. Muslims were escaping with their lives leaving behind everything. Nonetheless, one Muslim tied his sword around his waist, took his she-goat and walked over to the sacred mosque. He prayed and then called upon the attendees saying, “O people, I have decided to immigrate to Madinah. Whosoever wishes to lose his life, let him follow me or try to stop me.” That fearless man was Omar. On hearing his declaration, twenty weak Muslims, who were too afraid to leave, accompanied him. He took them safely to Madinah. A true soldier of faith, that’s what Omar was.
After all Muslims arrived at Madinah safely, it was time for the prophet’s immigration. Muslims awaited his arrival impatiently. The idolaters insisted on killing the prophet. Nonetheless, Allah protected him against their plans. He arrived safely after a trip full of adventures. On that day, Muslims rejoiced and celebrated the prophet’s arrival. That day marks the true dawn of Islam. Muslims began establishing a state built upon equality, brotherhood, and justice. The prophet began setting the rules guiding all aspects of life as revealed to him. This continued for 10 years during which he prepared Muslims to carry forth his message. Omar was among his most notable students.
One day, Omar and some of the companions entered the prophet’s house. He was lying down covered with a very rough sheet. Under his head, there was a pillow stuffed with Bast. Omar noticed that the sheet had left marks on the prophet’s skin. Ibn Mas‘ud said, “O prophet, if you allow us, we can spread something softer for you.” The prophet said, “Who am I in this worldly life? My example is like that of a rider traveling on a hot summer day. He took shelter in the shadow of a tree for an hour, and then he left and went on his way.” A tear fell silently from Omar’s eye out of pity. The prophet asked him, “Why are you crying, Omar?” Omar answered, “I couldn’t help it, O prophet. I know how tyrants like Caesar and Chosroes live luxuriously, and now, I see you live like this.” So the prophet said, “Wouldn’t you be satisfied if they get the pleasures of this life, and we get those of the hereafter?” Omar said, “I would indeed.”
The prophet then said, “And so it shall come to be.”
Once, a poor man came to ask the prophet for alms. These were hard times and Muslims were destitute. The prophet said, “I have nothing remaining. Go and buy whatever you need on my account. When money or something to trade with comes to me, I will fulfil the debt.” On hearing that, Omar said out of pity, “Allah didn’t burden you with what you can’t bear, O prophet.”
The prophet didn’t like what Omar said. One of the companions noticed this, he said, “O prophet, spend in charity and don’t fear diminution.” The prophet smiled and glad tidings filled his face; he said, “That is what I was ordered to do. Every day, two angels call out in the sky. One of them says, ‘O Allah, give recompense to him who spends in charity.’ The other one says, ‘O Allah, give decay to him who is tightfisted.’ Know the following: Charity never decrease your wealth. Allah enriches those who are forgiving with glory. No one ever acts humbly except that Allah honours him.”
The more Omar and his companions learned, the more they loved Prophet Muhammad. Their attachment to him became stronger than a father-son bond, much stronger.
Zayd Ibn Sa‘yah was a Jewish rabbi who lived in Madinah. Through his studies, he knew that there was a prophet promised in the scriptures. This prophet would appear in Arabia. He would have two special moral characters. He reported his story as follows: “I recognized all physical signs of the awaited messenger in Prophet Muhammad when I saw him. Two moral characters were yet to prove my deduction. First, his patience precedes his anger. Second, treating him ignominiously couldn’t but increase his patience. To test him, I went over to him and said, ‘O Muhammad, would you sell me the dates of your companions when they are reaped?’ He agreed. So I gave him the price in advance, and we appointed the time in which I shall receive the dates. When this date approached, I saw the prophet following a funeral with his companions.
I approached him, pulled him by his garment harshly and shouted, ‘Hey Muhammad, won’t you give me what’s mine? I know your people. They have a reputation for procrastination.’ On seeing that, Omar Ibn Al-Khattab glared at me. He grabbed me and said, ‘O enemy of Allah, how dare you do what I saw and say what I heard? If I didn’t fear the prophet’s blame, I would have struck you down with my sword.’
The prophet looked at Omar and said, ‘Me and him needed what’s different from that Omar. You should have ordered me to fulfil my promise, and ordered him to be lenient. Go with him, Omar. Fulfill his debt. Give him an extra twenty weights of dates. It’s to recompense for frightening him the way you did.’
Omar obeyed the prophet. He took me with him, gave me my share and added the extra twenty weights. After that, he asked me, ‘What was your intention when you acted as you did?’
I answered him, ‘I knew from our scriptures that a prophet was to come in Arabia. I recognized his described features in Muhammad’s face when I saw him. However, I was unable to recognize two moral characters from his appearance. His patience always comes before his anger, and treating him poorly only makes his patience grow. Now I have recognized them.
As such, I take you as my witness, Omar, I testify that there is no God but Allah and that Muhammad is His messenger. I also hold you as my witness that half of my wealth is a dole for Muhammad’s poor followers.’ ”
More and more people began to learn about Islam. Many travelled to Madinah and embraced it between the prophet’s hands. Of course, the surrounding idolater tribes didn’t like that. They plotted to destroy Madinah. Many attacks were carried out by allied idolater armies. The prophet was targeted in several assassination attempts. Nonetheless, through all the dangers, the prophet led Muslims to one victory after another. Finally, Arabs accepted Islam. They embraced it in magnitudes and sworn allegiance to the prophet. Then there came the day when the prophet fell ill. His health deteriorated, and after a few days, he passed away. That was the hardest day ever for Omar and all companions. The grief that struck them was overwhelming. Losing the prophet was like losing one’s father and best friend. It was like losing a lifetime neighbor, companion, mentor, protector, and paragon, all at once.
Omar refused to believe that the prophet had passed. He shouted at the people gathering at the prophet’s door, “Whoever says Muhammad has died is a liar. I will strike down anyone who repeats this heresy. The prophet is alive, he must be. He just left with the archangel for a while but he’ll be back.” When Abu-Bakr heard Omar’s words, he raised his voice saying, “Whoever worshipped Muhammad, then know that Muhammad has died. But whoever worships Allah; verily, Allah is everlasting, He never dies.” Then Abu-Bakr recited the following verse, “Muhammad is but a messenger following a trail of messengers. If it happens then that he dies or is killed, will you forsake the righteous path? Whoever forsakes the righteous path, he shall never harm Allah’s [message]. Allah will reward those who are grateful.” On hearing that, Omar fell to the ground unable to hold on. He broke into tears and knew that the prophet had passed away.
The prophet’s death was a huge strike to all Muslims. Nonetheless, those whom he educated himself were soaked with faith and knowledge. Their grief didn’t hinder them from attending to their duties. Their persistence to complete what their mentor had started soared. Muslims chose Abu-Bakr to lead them, and Abu-Bakr chose Omar to be his vizier and counsellor. Tomorrow night, I shall tell you how bravely they faced all dangers after their mentor’s death. They never backed down or feared to make victorious what’s right. May their pure spirits fill your hearts, Amen.
Part III
After the prophet passed away, news about his death spread all over Arabia. At that time, tribal arrogance still controlled many Arabs. When the companions declared Abu-Bakr the Caliph, some tribes refused to obey him. As such, every one of those tribes chose their own Caliph. Choosing a caliph who hadn’t learned directly from the prophet was highly dangerous. Those ignorant men started issuing laws that opposed the Islamic teachings. They declared lawful what the prophet made unlawful. They held back the obligatory alms. They even prepared armies to fight against the prophet’s companions. They sought leadership. For those hypocrites, the caliphate was an honour they coveted. For the companions, it was a burden they ran away from. Abu-Bakr convened with the prophet’s companions. Most of them advised him to let the apostates be. The Romans were lurking to attack Madinah. The Persians were threatening to attack Bahrain whose people had embraced Islam. Enemies were surrounding Muslims from all directions. Hence, there shouldn’t be a civil war as well. Yet, Abu-Bake refused. He said, “I would never waive a matter the prophet established.” At that time, there couldn’t be a stranger decision. Nonetheless, Abu-Bakr took it without hesitation. Once he did that, all companions followed his orders and prepared for war.
Abu-Bakr prepared three brigades. He dispatched one to fight back the Romans. He dispatched the second to subjugate the rebellious tribes. The third remained to defend Madinah. The situation couldn’t be more dangerous. The companions were living under immense pressure but their faith was solid. Every few days, news reached Madinah. Muslims were victorious in all battles. Nonetheless, they lost lots of loved ones. Among those who were martyred was Zayd Ibn Al-Khattab, Omar’s brother. Abdullah, Omar’s son, was with his uncle when he died. When he returned, he informed his father of the bad news. Omar screamed in his face, “And you bring me the news yourself! You should have protected your uncle or died at his side.” Abdullah replied, “O father, I asked Allah to grant me martyrdom as my uncle did. Allah chose him but didn’t choose me. There was nothing I could do.” On hearing his son’s reply, Omar broke into tears. He loved and respected his brother greatly. Omar always found him wiser and braver. That is why his sorrow was deep.
Omar participated in defending Madinah with Abu-Bakr. They chose Ali Ibn Abi-Taleb, the prophet’s cousin, to lead Madinah’s brigade. Ali was the first boy to embrace Islam. He was raised by the prophet and remained at his side all his life. He was one of the bravest Muslims who ever lived. His sword skills were undefeatable. When the rebels attacked Madinah, Muslims were outnumbered. The companions showed great bravery. Against all odds, they succeeded in breaking the enemies’ lines. Before sunset, victory was theirs. More and more Muslims were returning to Madinah triumphant. Day after day, all enemies realized that Muhammad could be dead, but his morals, teachings, and faith would never die. Many of the enemies travelled to meet Abu-Bakr. They apologized and declared their repentance. Abu-Bakr accepted their apology and Arabs reunited under one banner. It was then the time to focus on the greater danger. The Romans and the Persians were surrounding Arabia and lurking to attack it. The Romans hoped to wipe Madinah and Makkah off the map. The Persians wanted to reoccupy the lands which Muslims had freed during the prophet’s life. This meant the destruction of Muslims. Abu-Bakr dispatched new brigades towards Sham and Iraq. It was time to free the people of those regions from slavery. That was the only way to secure Arabia’s borders. It was also the only way to deliver the message of Islam to the region’s people.
In the battles, many of the Qur’an memorizers died. Abu-Bakr feared that the Qur’an would be forgotten. Hence, he convened with Omar to discuss the matter. They agreed to collect the written Qur’an dictated directly by the prophet. A young companion called Zayd Ibn Thabet was assigned to the mission. Zayd was the prophet’s neighbour in Madinah. He was brilliant with language learning. He memorized the Qur’an from the prophet. Finally, he attended the last complete recitation of the Qur’an the prophet gave. As such, he was the best man for the job. This action is why we have a complete written copy of the Qur’an today. May Allah reward the companions for their efforts, Amen.
Abu-Bakr did not live long after the prophet. Almost two years later, he fell ill. It was time for him to join his best friend, lifetime companion, and mentor. He succeeded in preserving the Qur’an, uniting the Arabs, and placing the plans to secure Arabia. Nonetheless, there remained a single task for him to do. That was to appoint the most trustworthy man to lead Muslims after his death. After consulting with the companions, he chose Omar. On his deathbed, he ordered his daughter to distribute the few dirhams he had to the poor and the needy. Omar asked him, “What will you leave for your children?” Abu-Bakr said, “Allah’s book and his messenger’s path.” He made one last demand, he said, “Bury me beside my companion.” After his death, Abu-Bakr was buried beside the prophet. He was shrouded in his clothes. Omar wept and said, “Abu-Bakr was the best amongst us. May Allah be pleased with him.”
Now the time has come for Omar’s reign. Will he follow his predecessors’ example, or will he be a man of lesser significance? That’s a story for another night. Sleep tight loved ones. May the souls of our heroes visit you in your dreams.
Part IV
Prophet Muhammad once said, “No genius will come with greater performance than Omar.” He was referring covertly to Omar’s future caliphate. Omar never took the prophet’s words as a permission to grow arrogant. He took them as an order to always be just, make victorious what’s right, and fight falsehood. Omar was 53 years old when he became the caliph. Muslims had mixed feelings about him. Some feared his strong harsh nature. Others believed he was the best man for the job. The prophet taught Muslims that emirate is a huge responsibility. That was how Omar treated it. His steps as the caliph were remarkable. They could form a textbook for politicians through all ages.
On his first day, Omar called upon all people to gather at the prophet’s mosque. He ascended the pulpit but stopped two steps before the top. When his son asked him about that, Omar said,
“I should not stand where the prophet or Abu-Bakr stood. I’m a lesser man than them both.”
It was Omar’s first time to ascend the prophet’s pulpit. Such a great honour, but a greater burden. He looked at the crowds then started speaking. He said, “O people, I have been troubled with your responsibility. So have you been troubled with my emirate. Whoever lives in our city, I vow to take care of him myself. As for those who live faraway, I vow to instate truthful faithful deputies to take care of them. If my deputies do well, I shall treat them accordingly. If they deviate from the righteous path, I will punish them. For the public treasury, I’m like an orphan caretaker. If I waive my wage, I have preserved my honour. If I’m in need, I vow to take what’s lawful. I will do my best to increase your incomes. I will never take from your earnings except what’s lawful. If I do, I vow to spend it in what’s beneficial. I vow never to endanger your safety. As for the soldiers at the borders, I vow to take care of their families until they return. Some of you fear me and say that I am a harsh man. Know that my harshness has been weakened except on those who commit illegal acts. So fear Allah and abstain from illegal acts. Promote what’s right, forbid what’s bad, and advise me truthfully. O people, learn the Qur’an, and follow its teachings that you may prosper. Prepare for the judgment day. It will surely be a hard day. Indeed, if non-Arabs come on that day with good deeds, and we come empty handed, they will be worthier of Muhammad than us. Weigh your deeds before Allah weighs them. May Allah forgive us all and treat us mercifully.” This short sermon was Omar’s code of conduct as a Caliph. It was the path he never deviated from.
Omar’s first deed was organizing the state’s administration. He chose his deputies and dispatched them to their cities. He established a postal and a judicial system for the whole region. The postal system facilitated the means of communication. The judicial system preserved the social stability. Omar chose the judges from among the most knowledgeable companions. He renewed the protection pacts Muslims had granted non-Muslims living in Arabia. He sent similar pacts to the people living in all freed countries. Arabs were at war with the Roman and Persian empires. They were freeing the region’s countries from their enslavement. Omar instated new army generals and sent reinforcements to the battlefields. He would sometimes place the battle plan himself. He gave orders that Muslim soldiers should not jam the countries they free. Accordingly, new cities were built in the waste lands of these countries. Omar placed a construction code for all new cities:
- They must be close to water sources.
- There should be no sea or river running between them and Arabia.
- Every city must have a mosque and a modest emirate house.
- The main streets must be 40 cubits wide. Side streets must be 30-20 cubits wide. Back alleys must at least be 7 cubits wide. (1 cubit = 0.5 Mt.)
- Houses should be constructed from the available materials. They should all have simple designs.
- A canal bringing drinkable water must be dug to every city.
- Bridges crossing this canal and close rivers must be established.
Omar sent these terms to all his deputies. Based upon them, Basra, Kufa, and Mosul were established in Iraq. So was Al-Fostat and Al-Qayrawan in North Africa. Omar created records including every citizen’s name, job, city, and annual share from the state’s income. Every year, these shares were distributed on the people.
Omar chose clever faithful deputies. Their task was to establish justice and serve the people. As such, they all took a two termed oath. First, never to treat any citizen unjustly. Second, never to use their position for any personal gain. Omar then developed a supervision system. Its task was to oversee his deputies’ performance and report to him. Any deputy who didn’t receive complainers himself was replaced. Any deputy who kept his door shut during the day was replaced. If an increase was noticed in a deputy’s wealth, it was confiscated. If a citizen came complaining from any city, its deputy was summoned for interrogation, and justice was served. That was Omar’s code for governorship.
One day, traders from Syria arrived at Madinah. When Omar saw them, he asked, “How is my deputy doing?” They said, “He’s not bad. We only wish he hadn’t built that two-floored house and stayed up all day.” On hearing their response, Omar wrote a message to his supervisor. It said, “Go to my deputy in Syria. Burn down his door, and order him to come to me.” When the supervisor did that, the deputy didn’t utter a word. He mounted his horse and travelled to Madinah. When he arrived, he asked for permission to meet the caliph. Omar ordered his assistant to tell him to wait. The deputy waited the whole day but didn’t meet Omar. On the second and third days, the same thing happened. On the fourth day, Omar came out and ordered that deputy to follow him. He took the man to the camels’ barn. “Tuck up your sleeves and water the camels,” Omar ordered him. The man followed the order. He worked all day long. When he was done, Omar looked at his sweaty face and said, “When was the last time you worked like this?” the man said, “It was a long time ago, my prince.” Omar asked angrily, “Is this why you built that two-floored house and stayed up all day? How dare you look down upon the people you’re supposed to serve—the widows and the orphans?” The man nodded in remorse and didn’t respond. Omar then said, “Go back to your post and never do this again.”
On a trip to Syria, Omar arrived at Homs. Some of its people came to welcome him. Omar asked, “How is my deputy doing?” They complained to Omar from the man. They said, “He receives no one before sunrise. He receives no one during the night. A day per month, he closes his door and meets no one. Sometimes he goes numb and faints.”
On hearing their complaints, Omar summoned his deputy and confronted him. The deputy started defending himself. He said, “I hate to disclose my personal secrets. However, I must do so to respond to your complaints. I have no servant, so I have to bake my family’s bread before I leave. That’s why I receive no one before sunrise. I have dedicated the rest of the day to serving the people. As for the night, I have dedicated it to praying and worshipping my lord. That’s why I receive no one during the night. I have no clothes but those you see me wearing. I wash them once a month. On that day, I wait for them to dry. Thereafter, I get dressed and receive those who have complaints in the afternoon. As for my seizures: before I embraced Islam, I witnessed the execution of Khobaib Al-Ansary. The idolaters tortured him severely. Before the execution, they taunted him saying, ‘Wouldn’t you like it if Muhammad were in your place?’ But Khobaib said, ‘I wouldn’t even like to be playing with my children and a thorn pricks Muhammad’s fingertip.’ The last words he uttered were in Prophet Muhammad’s love. I watched as they executed him and didn’t budge. Sometimes when I remember that day, I panic and choke. How could such sin be forgiven?”
On hearing the deputy’s response, Omar said, “Thank you, Allah, for guiding me to instate this man as my deputy.” After a few months, Omar dispatched a supervisor to this city. The supervisor investigated and sent Omar a report. He informed him that his deputy was among the poorest in the city. Omar ordered his assistant to grant that deputy a bonus to help him. Nonetheless, the deputy distributed it to the poor and the needy. He refused to take a single dirham from it.
Omar instated Omair Ibn Sa‘d as his deputy in a city in Syria. A year passed during which Omar received no word from Omair. Doubt crept into his heart. He thought Omair was doing something wrong. Why wouldn’t he write? He must have something to hide, Omar thought. He sent Omair a message. It said, “Travel to me with no delay. Bring with you the Muslims’ alms.” When Omair received the message, he put a water skin and some food in a bag, and left. Weeks later, he arrived at Omar’s door. He was pale and dusty. His hair had grown long. His clothes were weary. On seeing how he looked, Omar asked, “What’s wrong with you?”
“Nothing. Can’t you see that I’m healthy and pure? I’ve come pulling life by its horns,” Omair replied.
“What did you bring with you?” Omar asked. He thought Omair’s last sentence was a reference to the alms.
Omair said, “I have my bag. It includes some food and water. I have a bowl. In it, I eat, drink, wash my clothes, and perform ablution. I have my staff. I lean on it and defend myself if an enemy attacks.”
Omar asked in shock, “Did you walk all the way here?”
Omair said, “Yes.”
Omar asked, “Was there no one to lend you a ride?”
Omair replied, “No one offered, and I never asked.”
Omar said, “Your people have wronged you. Tell me, what did you do in your city? Where is the alms?”
Omair said, “When I arrived at the city, I gathered the most pious among its people. I ordered them to collect the alms and bring it to me. When I received it, I distributed it to the poor and needy. If there remained anything, I would have brought it to you.”
Omar asked, “So you have brought nothing?”
Omair replied, “No.”
Omar then said to his assistant, “Renew Omair’s term.”
Omair interrupted, “Don’t. I refuse to work for you or anyone else ever again. I ask for permission to go home.”
Omar gave him permission to leave. Omair’s home was miles away from Madinah. A few days later, Omar summoned one of his supervisors. He gave him a bag and said, “These are 100 dinars. Take them and go to Omair. Pretend to be a guest and stay with him for a while. If any traces of wealth appear on him, report back to me. If you find him leading a hard life, give him the bag and then return.”
The supervisor travelled to where Omair lived. He found him sitting outside stitching his shirt. He approached and asked for permission to rest at his house.
“Sure, mount down. May Allah’s mercy shower you,” Omair replied. He entertained the guest for three days. The man noticed that Omair had nothing but a weight of barley. They baked it for him and ate the leftovers. On the third day, Omair and his family were exhausted. He said to the man, “We have entertained you for three days. Indeed we are exhausted. If it’s no trouble, will you resume your journey?”
The man brought the bag Omar gave him and handed it over to Omair.
“What is this?” Omair asked.
The supervisor told him who he was and explained his mission. Omair refused the money but his wife said, “If you don’t need it, distribute it to those who do.” So Omair took the bag and distributed the money to the poor and the martyrs’ sons and daughters.
The supervisor awaited Omair’s return. He thought Omair would give him some dinars to help him on his trip back to Madinah. However, Omair returned with an empty bag. He said, “Deliver my greetings to our prince.”
When the supervisor returned, Omar asked him, “What did you find out?” The man told Omar everything. “But what did he do with the dinars?” Omar asked. The man said, “I don’t know. When he returned, the bag was empty.”
Omar sent a message to Omair summoning him to Madinah. When he arrived, Omar asked him, “What have you done with the money I sent you?”
Omair answered, “Why are you asking? What I did is up to me alone.”
Omar said, “I entreat you to speak.”
Omair said, “I sought their reward in the hereafter.”
On hearing this, Omar nodded in satisfaction and said, “May Allah’s mercy shower you.” He then ordered Omair a sack of food and two lengths of fabric.
“I don’t need the food. We have two bushels of barley at home. As for the fabric, I left my wife in rags.” He took the fabric and went home.
What else happened between Omar and his deputies? I will tell you more about them, but that’s enough for tonight. Know little ones that pious deputies are the secret of any successful governor. May Allah grant us strong clever governors; but above all, faithful sincere deputies. Amen.
Part V
We spoke before about Prophet Muhammad’s immigration. I told you that Allah protected him against the idolaters’ plans. Tonight, I will tell you about one of the amazing adventures of his trip. You may be wondering why I would do this amidst Omar’s story. To explain why, I must tell you the story first. So here we go.
After his companions arrived at Madinah, it was time for Prophet Muhammad to immigrate. The prophet and his two companions, Ali Ibn Abi-Tālib and Abu-Bakr, were the only ones remaining. The idolaters decided to kill the prophet. They planned that a man from each tribe would contribute in stabbing him. They wanted his blood to be scattered among all tribes. As such, his relatives and followers wouldn’t dare avenge him. Allah revealed to the prophet their plan. The archangel informed him that the idolaters planned to kill him during the night. Prophet Muhammad summoned his young cousin Ali. He asked him to sleep in his bed. He assured Ali that the idolaters won’t kill him. The idolaters always left their trusts with the prophet. That’s why the prophet ordered Ali to stay behind. He wanted Ali to return all trusts to their rightful owners. Thereafter, he can catch up with Muslims at Madinah. Ali obeyed the prophet’s orders showing no hesitation. That night, the prophet went to Abu-Bakr’s house and told him that it was time for them to immigrate. They immediately set out towards south Makkah. They took a temporary refuge in a cave called “Thawr.” They waited there for Abu Bakr’s son, Abdullah, to make the necessary preparations for their trip.
That night, the idolaters entered the prophet’s house. They pulled out their swords and approached his bed. The moment they saw Ali’s face, they were shocked. They returned to their leaders and told them what had happened. The notables of Makkah called for an emergency meeting. They decided to block all the roads surrounding Makkah. Armed men guarded all city exits. Horsemen roamed all areas seeking to capture the prophet. A hundred camels bounty was set for the prophet’s head. Trackers scoured the region. When they reached the cave where the prophet hid, Abu-Bakr said, “O Prophet, if they look into the cave, they will see us.” The Prophet calmed Abu-Bakr saying, “Don’t worry. Allah is our protector.”
And Allah did protect the prophet and his friend from the idolaters. They never saw the prophet or Abu-Bakr. Abdullah Ibn Abu-Bakr hired a guide to lead the prophet and his father on their trip. He brought two camels that his father had prepared for the journey. Abu-Bakr’s servant volunteered to go with them.
Meanwhile, news of the bounty reached a man named Surāqa Ibn Malik. Surāqa was a skilled tracker. He decided to chase after the prophet. He was investigating near the markets when a traveler arrived bearing news. He said that he saw riders heading north towards Madinah. He designated the place and said that they could be the prophet and his companions. Surāqa replied in the negative. He claimed that these were shepherds searching for their lost cattle. The people took his word for it and resumed their speech. Surāqa sneaked out to chase after the prophet. He was hoping to kill the prophet and receive the big prize.
Surāqa reported what happened to him during the chase. He said, “When I saw the prophet and his companions, I urged my horse to run faster. Suddenly, the horse’s front legs sank into the sand. I flew off the saddle and rolled on the sand. I got up and looked at my horse in disbelief. This never happened before. I picked out the divination stones from my quiver and threw them. The stones ordered me to go back but I hated to do that. I got on my horse and resumed the chase. When I approached the prophet, I heard him reciting the Qur’an while riding his camel.
Abu-Bakr looked around and saw me approaching. Yet again, my horse’s front legs sank into the sand throwing me off its back for the second time. I got up swearing at my horse. I pulled it up but was unable to free its legs. I yelled in fear, ‘Safety, Muhammad.’ The prophet stopped. I said to him, ‘I realize that you have invoked Allah to punish me. Ask Him to set my horse free and save me. I promise to distract the men chasing after you.’ The prophet invoked Allah for me. The horse was immediately freed. I approached and told him that his people had placed a big bounty on his head. I offered him and his companions the water and food I had. They refused to take it and said, ‘Don’t tell anyone of the route we are taking to Madinah.’ I asked the prophet to write me a safety pact. He ordered Abu-Bakr’s servant to write down what he dictated. The young man picked out a piece of leather and wrote what the prophet dictated. I took the written pact and was about to leave when the prophet stopped me. ‘How will you look, Surāqa, wearing the armlets of Chosroes?’ ‘Chosroes son of Hormizd?’ I asked. The prophet confirmed, ‘Yes, Chosroes son of Hormizd,’ then he rode away.
Surāqa wondered, where are all Arabs from Chosroes’s big armies? How can those few refugees fight the mighty Persian Empire? He didn’t believe what the prophet told him. He didn’t embrace Islam or follow Muslims to Madinah. Nonetheless, he fulfilled his promise. He distracted whomever he met away from the prophet’s route. Surāqa lived among his tribe near Makkah for the next eight years. He kept the safety pact with him. Later on, after the conquest of Makkah, the prophet’s army reached Surāqa’s village. Surāqa asked to meet the prophet.
When the prophet spotted him, he said, ‘This is the day of fidelity and kindness. Come closer, Surāqa. There is no faith in him who is not honest. There is no religion for him who doesn’t keep his promise.’ Surāqa approached and declared his faith in Islam. Not long after that, the prophet passed away. Surāqa reported, ‘When I learned that the prophet passed away, I remembered the day I went chasing after him. I remembered how I hoped to kill him and receive the hundred camels. Yet, at that moment, all the riches in this world for me weren’t even worth the prophet’s nail.’”
Surāqa took pride in telling his story with the prophet. Years passed by. Muslims’ numbers grew from tens to tens of thousands. They fought to free the surrounding countries from occupation. During the reign of Omar Ibn Al-Khattab, Muslims defeated the Persians. After many battles, they succeeded in freeing the region’s people from enslavement. The Army brought back to Omar tokens of their victory. Among them were Chosroes’s crown, cloak, and armlets. The crown was inlaid with jewels and pearls. The cloak was sewn with golden threads. Omar looked at this treasure with tearful eyes. His companions asked him about that. He said,
“The people who brought this back are surely trustworthy. Chosroes’s crown alone is worth millions. If the man who brought it had taken it to Antakia, he would have lived there the richest among all people.” Omar summoned Surāqa. When he arrived, Omar dressed him in Chosroes’s crown, cloak, and armlets. He then said, “Praise be to Allah. He removed those from Chosroes the tyrant who claimed divinity, and dressed them to Surāqa, a poor Bedouin.”
This was the prophecy the prophet gave 18 years before this incident. When the prophet immigrated, the Persian army was the strongest in the world. Its forces exceeded 120,000 soldiers. The Persians were victorious over the Romans and had invaded most of their lands. Meanwhile, there were less than 1500 Muslims in the world. Less than 350 of them could fight. Any observer of the events could confirm that this prophecy could never happen. If events had not been divinely influenced, the prophet would have been killed before reaching Madinah. Nonetheless, the prophet reached Madinah safely and so did his companions. Allah opened people’s hearts for Islam. Arabs embraced Islam and Muslims’ numbers increased. From being a defenseless bunch, they turned into a faithful strong army. They fought their persecutors and won their freedom. They faced all the tyrants of the world fearlessly. They succeeded in freeing millions from slavery. That’s what true faith does. When it enters one’s heart, the person changes. And if persons change, the whole world changes. All you need is make victorious what’s right, and Allah will make you victorious.
Omar ordered Surāqa to return the fancy stuff so that he may distribute them equally to the poor and the needy. He then lifted his hands to the sky and said, “O Allah, you held these riches back from your messenger and Abu-Bakr. I know you loved them more than you love me. Yet, you have laid this treasure in front of me. I ask your protection from its seduction.” Omar then ordered his workers to divide all this stuff into equal shares. He didn’t get up until all jewels, gold, and fancy fabric were justly distributed to the poor and the needy.
What else happened during Omar’s reign? You have to wait till tomorrow night to find out. Sleep tight little ones. There are still more amazing stories to tell.
Part VI
Faith is not a list of rules. It’s not a book of DOs and DON’Ts. Faith is power. If it fills one’s heart and mind, it changes him or her into a remarkable person. A person whose life would be rich with lessons. That’s what Omar Ibn Al-Khattab’s personality and life are all about. That’s why it’s important to know all we can about him. Let’s continue with more of his life’s amazing tales.
One day, Omar was inspecting the markets. During his tour, he saw an old blind beggar. Omar approached the man and asked, “Why is a man in your condition begging?” The man said, “I’m an old Jew, and I have no one to look after me.” Omar replied, “We wrong you if we benefit from your youth and forsake you in your older days.” He took the man to the Muslims’ treasury. He ordered the treasury keeper to set a suitable salary for the old Jew. He stipulated that a servant should be hired to serve him. The servant’s wage was to be paid by Muslims. He then generalized his orders to include all sick old people who have no caretakers.
That was the first pension ever placed in mankind’s history. It was set by a Muslim Caliph for an old Jew in the 7th century. A just ruler is responsible for all his subjects, even those from different faiths.
During Abu-Bakr’s reign, public pastures were developed. These pastures were open for all Muslim shepherds. It was an open pasture where they could graze their herds. In one of his tours, Omar visited the pastures. A herd of healthy camels caught his attention. “Who owns these camels?” he asked. The pasture keeper said, “Abdullah, your son, O prince.” On hearing the man’s reply, Omar was enraged. He said, “Summon him immediately.” The keeper called Abdullah who came hurriedly.
“How did these camels come to your possession?” Omar asked.
“I bought them young and weak. I fed and took care of them until they became healthy.” Abdullah replied.
“Where did you feed them?” Omar asked.
“In the public pastures like any other Muslim,” Abdullah replied.
“And of course, you were given an advantage over other shepherds. People would say, ‘Water the camels of our prince’s son. Feed the camels of our prince’s son.’ Isn’t this right?” Omar said. Abdullah didn’t utter a word. So Omar continued, “Go sell your herd. Take the original price you bought it with, and put the rest in the state’s treasury.”
Just rulers must not use their position to achieve any personal gain. They must not allow their kin or friends to benefit from their relationship. They should always be fair and treat all people equally. That is the doorway to a stable community and prosperity.
One Friday, Omar ascended the pulpit to give the sermon. “Listen carefully, may Allah’s mercy shower you,” he said. A companion named Salmaan got up and said, “We should not listen to you.” Omar asked the pious companion, “Why Salmaan?” Salmaan said, “You distributed the new fabric, for every male one length. Yet, you’re wearing two lengths. Where is the justice in that?” Omar looked around and asked, “Where is my son, Abdullah?” Abdullah got up. He was wearing his old weary garment. Omar pointed at him and said, “I’m wearing two lengths of fabric. One is mine. The other is my son’s. He gave it to me because I’m a big man. I washed my old garment this morning, so I had to borrow Abdullah’s share. I need two lengths of fabric to cover up.” on hearing that, Salmaan said, “Now, we listen and obey.”
For the prophet’s companions, justice was a condition for obedience. An unjust gesture was not tolerated. An unfair order was disregarded. Ill-treatment of any kind was despised. The companions lived by a code: Allah enjoins justice, fairness, and good treatment of all creatures. As such, there is no obedience for him who does not obey Allah.
Omar used to go out on night patrols. He would walk miles around the city to make sure his subjects were safe and sound. As he passed by a house one night, he heard a woman ordering her daughter to mix milk with water. Mixing milk with water and selling it is cheating. Omar criminalized it during his reign. When he heard the woman’s words, he stopped. He wanted to know what the woman was up to. But then, her Daughter said, “Didn’t Omar prohibit milk sellers from doing that, mother?” The woman answered, “He did, but Omar cannot see us here.” Her daughter then replied, “It isn’t right to obey him in public and disobey him in secret. O mother, Omar may not be able to see us, but surely, Allah does.” On hearing the girl’s response, Omar ordered his assistant to mark the house and inquire about its residents in the morning. The next day, the assistant told Omar that an old woman lived in that house with her single daughter. Omar summoned his sons and asked them, “Which one of you wishes to get married?” His son, Assem said, “I do father.” Omar ordered his assistant to take them to the milk seller’s house. When they arrived, he knocked on the door. When the woman opened and recognized him, she panicked. He calmed her down and asked her to call her daughter out. When the girl came, Omar brought forth Assem and said, “This is my son. Look at one another. If you’re satisfied with what you see, I will wed you.” The girl smiled shyly and Assem nodded to his father. “So be it,” Omar said. Assem and the pious girl got married. They gave birth to two daughters. One of their daughters married an Umayyed prince when she grew up. She gave birth to a boy and named him ‘Omar’ after his grandfather. That boy grew up to become Omar Ibn Abdul-Aziz, the just caliph. The boy who fulfilled his grandfather’s vision.
Evildoers fear just rulers. If Omar weren’t a just ruler, people wouldn’t have obeyed him. Meanwhile, Satan fails to seduce pious people. That’s why he failed to seduce the milk seller’s daughter. Finally, Allah rewards the pious with what they could never imagine. The poor pious girl married a caliph’s son. Her daughter married a prince. And her grandson became one of the most famous rulers in history. No human plan could have worked this out. Allah’s plan is most wise and best built.
Sweet dreams little ones. May Allah’s plan for you be better than what I could ever imagine. Amen.
Part VII
The judicial system was a priority for Omar. As such, he instated the most knowledgeable companions as judges. Companion Abu-Musa Al-Ash‘ary was his judge in Basra. He sent him an assignment letter. It reads as follows:
“In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
From Allah’s servant, Omar Ibn Al-Khattab, to Abu-Musa Al-Ash‘ary,
Peace be upon you faithful brother. Know that Judiciary is an obligation. You must fully understand every case raised to you. If what’s right becomes manifest, issue your verdict and order its application. Justice is served only when it’s applied.
Equate between all people in your court, even in your looks. The nobles must not hope to be favored. The poor must not despair of receiving a fair trial.
Whoever has a claim, must submit evidence. If there was no evidence, and the accused denies the claim, he must solemnly swear he’s innocent.
Reconciliation is permissible except if it entails an unlawful matter or prohibits a lawful matter.
Do not let a wrong verdict stop you from reopening the case. What’s right must always triumph. Revise the case and issue the most just verdict.
Some cases may have no legal ruling in our law. You must grasp a full understanding of such cases. Compare them to the most similar cases in our law. Deduce all possible outcomes. Finally, issue the verdict you believe is the most pleasing to our creator.
If a person raises a claim, place an appropriate time limit for his case. If he fails to produce the evidence supporting his claim, cancel the case. You must not allow doubt to linger.
Muslims’ testimonies against one another are all equal. The exceptions are for a previous felon, a person convicted of perjury, and a close relative or ally. Allah orders you to ward off doubt.
Never resent listening to a complainer. Never hesitate to enforce justice. This is the burden for which a judge is rewarded by Allah. Purify your intentions. If you do so, Allah will support you. If you don’t, Allah will fail you. Allah’s rewards are marvelous. His endowments are never-ending.
Peace be with you.”
The previous message was Omar’s code for judiciary. He applied it throughout his caliphate. Muslims freed Egypt from the Roman occupation during Omar’s reign. Omar instated companion Amr Ibn Al-‘Aas as his deputy there. One day, two men and a teenager entered Madinah. One of the men was a Christian Egyptian who had a complaint. The teenager was his son. The second man was their translator. They found Omar in the mosque. The Egyptian said, “I’ve come seeking justice. Your deputy’s son called for a horse race. My boy contributed and won the race. Angered with his loss, your deputy’s son swore at my boy and hit him with his whip. I’ve come seeking justice for my boy.” On hearing the man’s words, Omar said to his assistant, “Summon Amr and his son immediately.” Then he turned to the Egyptian and said, “You’re our guest until Amr arrives.”
A few weeks later, Amr and his son were standing in front of Omar. Omar interrogated them and found that the Egyptian’s complaint was true. Omar handed the man a whip and said, “Avenge your boy equitably.” The Egyptian hit Amr’s son avenging his boy. When he was done, Omar said, “Hit Amr, too.” Amr was troubled. The Egyptian said, “O prince, Amr’s son hit my boy. I have avenged my boy from him.” Omar said, “If you did hit Amr, I wouldn’t have stopped you. His son committed this crime relying upon his father’s protection.” Omar then glared at Amr and said, “How dare you treat your subjects like slaves while they were born free, Amr?” Amr said apologizing, “My prince, the man never complained to me. I never knew of what happened.”
That was how Omar understood justice. He didn’t hesitate to punish a man from his own kin when he wronged a stranger from another country. He didn’t reduce the sentence against a man of his faith when he oppressed a man from another faith. Justice must be served.
A Roman Muslim reported the story of his faith. He said, “I was sent as a messenger from Caesar to Omar. My mission was to inspect Omar’s conditions and report back to my emperor. When I entered Madinah, I asked the people, ‘Where can I find your king?’ The answer I got was, ‘We have no king. We have a leader, a prince. He’s inspecting the city outskirts. Head that way. You will find him there.’ I continued to look for Omar until I found him. He was resting on the ground. He leaned his head on his staff, and sweat covered his face. When I saw him in that condition I was shocked. Could this be the man my king fears?! Only a just ruler can sleep safely in the open like this. Caesar lived in a palace surrounded by hundreds of guards. Nonetheless, he was always scared. At that moment, Islam entered my heart. I completed my mission and reported back to Caesar. Later on, I returned to Madinah and embraced Islam.”
The previous story happened during a famine that had hit Arabia. In that year, Omar ate one kind of food, one meal every night. It was bread and oil. His stomach often rumbled. Sometimes, his assistants could hear its noise. They would offer to find him something to eat. He always refused saying, “Let it rumble all it wants. I swear not to eat until all people are fed.” It seems that when Caesar sent his inspector, he was lingering to seize the opportunity and attack Muslims. However, what the messenger told him made him fear such a move. No man is more feared or revered than a just ruler.
In the Islamic law, if an adult sane person breaks into someone’s property, and steals what’s equal to or exceeds the price of 35 grams of silver, his hand is cut-off. Nonetheless, punishments are only applied if the criminal is found uncompelled to commit his crime. The surrounding conditions must be studied and evaluated by the judge.
If a man steals some food out of hunger, or steals money to buy an expensive medicine, his hand is not cut-off. He is sentenced to payback his debt. In this case, it will be paid back from the Muslims’ treasury. It is the ruler’s job to make sure that such a man is employed and can provide for himself and his family. Omar stopped the application of the theft punishment during the famine. This was to ward-off suspicion that the person stole because of hunger.
While dispatching one of his deputies, Omar asked, “What would you do if a thief was arrested at your city?” The deputy answered, “I will cut-off his hand.” Omar said, “And I will cut-off yours if a hungry man or an unemployed person comes complaining from your city. Allah destined us to rule over His servants to satisfy their hunger, shelter their bodies, and make it easy for them to practice their crafts. If we succeed in providing them with these things, we get our reward from Allah. Allah created the hands to work. If they don’t find a righteous job, they will search for one in wrongdoing. Employ the hands of your subjects in what’s lawful before they employ them in what’s unlawful.”
What else happened during Omar’s reign? How did he save the people from famine? How did he protect the weak and the needy? I will tell you more about Omar’s outstanding caliphate, but that’s enough for tonight. Sleep tight sweat hearts. May your days be ones of justice and dignity.
Part VIII
When the famine hit Arabia, People from all over Arabia traveled to Madinah. They were seeking refuge in Arabia’s capital at that time. Omar ordered his assistants to prepare camps in which the refugees could stay. He established a treasury house for grains and clothes. All the available crops were harvested and sent to this treasury. Records were developed for all kinds of grains, nutrients and clothes. Thereafter, every family received its share. Madinah received 60,000 refugees. That was a huge number at that time. Omar and his companions needed all the help they could get. As such, Omar sent messages to all his deputies. He asked for their help in rescuing the Arabs.
Companion Amr Ibn Al-‘Aas sent a caravan from Egypt. It consisted of 1000 camels carrying flour and clothes. He also sent 20 ships through the Red Sea. They were carrying different kinds of legumes and necessary nutrients. Companion Abu-Obaydah Ibn Al-Jarrah arrived at Madinah leading another caravan from Palestine. It consisted of 4000 camels carrying food. Companion Mu‘aweyah Ibn Abi-Sufyan sent a caravan from Damascus. It consisted of 3000 camels carrying more food. Another caravan arrived from Iraq. All the region’s countries responded to the rescue messages Omar sent. Caravans kept on arriving one after another to save their brothers at Arabia.
Here, you must learn a very important lesson, children. Our Middle Eastern region contains different neighboring countries. Nonetheless, they are all one nation. Their history is deeply connected. Their civilizations form the cornerstone upon which our modern world stands. They share ancient parentage heritage. They have an endless number of marital relationships. Their ancestry bloodlines are intertwined. Like Prophet Muhammad reunited the Arabs, his companions reunited the region’s countries. One Middle Eastern nation, one family. Without these solidarity actions, tens of thousands would have died. The chivalry of that generation will always stand as a beacon of light for the sincere. May the deceived open their hearts and see.
Omar dispatched his supervisors to Arabia’s entrances. He ordered them to direct the coming caravans to all parts of Arabia. He planned to save as many people as possible. He went out every day with his assistants to check on the refugees. At night, he went out on night patrols to make sure that all people were safe and sound.
One night Omar was inspecting a refugee camp. He noticed a fire at a faraway place amidst the desert. He said to his young assistant, Aslam, “These must be travelers seeking our refuge. Let’s go check on them.” They hurried towards the light source. When they approached it, they saw a woman and her young children. The children were crying while the woman steered the ingredients of a pot she had placed over the fire.
Omar said, “Peace be upon you.” The woman replied to his greetings, so he said, “Can I come closer?”
The woman said, “Only if you bring good news.”
Omar approached her and asked, “Why are you out here all by yourselves?”
She said, “We failed to reach our destination before nightfall. So here we are, spending the night in this cold.”
Omar asked, “What’s wrong with your children? Why are they crying?”
She answered, “They are hungry.”
He asked, “And what’s in that pot?”
She said, “Water. I steer it till they fall asleep. Allah is sufficient for us against Omar.”
The poor woman was trying to deceive her children to sleep. She only acted to prepare them dinner. In reality, the pot held nothing but water.
Omar said, “May Allah forgive you. How can Omar learn about you out here?”
She said, “He assumed our responsibility; yet, he is inattentive to our condition.”
On hearing her words, Omar turned around. He started running and ordered Aslam to follow him. When they reached the grains treasury house, he picked a sack of flour and a vat of butter. He ordered Aslam to help him carry the sack on his back. Aslam tried to carry it for him, but Omar refused. He said, “Will you carry my sins in front of Allah? Put it on my back.” Aslam obeyed the order and they went on their way. When they reached the woman, Omar threw down the heavy sac. He untied it, pulled out some flour and threw it in the pot.
“Add more flour and I will steer for you,” he ordered the woman.
Aslam reported that Omar continued to steer and blow under the pot to kindle the fire. When the food was ready, he ordered the woman to bring him a large plate. He poured the food into it and told the woman to feed her children. He spread the porridge on the plate to cool it down while the woman fed her youngsters. When they ate their full, he got up. The woman thanked him and said, “May Allah reward you. A man like you deserves to be our prince more than Omar.” Omar calmed her down. He said, “Maybe tomorrow you’ll find me in his place,” and then left.
When Omar and Aslam were far enough, Omar turned around. He watched the children play till they fell asleep. Aslam asked him why he did that. Omar said, “Hunger kept them awake and made them cry. I preferred not to leave before I saw them play and go to sleep.”
Omar continued to serve the people. His honesty and sincerity were matchless.
Another night, Omar and companion Abdurrahman Ibn ‘Auf were guarding a caravan. As they prayed, they heard a baby cry. Omar continued to pray thinking the baby’s mother would calm him down. A while later, the baby was still crying. This alerted Omar. He got up and walked towards the house from which the sound came. He stood behind the door and said, “Attend to your baby.” He then returned to his place and continued to pray. A while passed by before the baby cried again. Omar walked over to the house and repeated what he said before. Near the end of the night, Omar heard the baby cry for the third time. He was enraged. He walked over to the house and knocked on the door. The baby’s mother opened the door. Omar said, “Don’t you fear Allah. Why don’t you attend to your baby?”
The woman said, “Old man, you have bored me tonight. My baby is crying because I’m trying to wean him.”
Omar asked, “How old is he?”
The woman answered, “He is 9 months old.”
Omar said, “He’s still young. Why are you eager to wean him?”
She said, “Omar only allows weaned children to get a share from the grain house. My share does not enable me to feed the kid.”
On hearing her answer, Omar said, “Don’t wean the child. I’m Omar. From now on, every born child will have a share from the grains house.” The next day, he ordered his assistants to declare this to all people. He sent messages to all cities holding that order.
Companion Talhah Ibn Obayd reported that he saw Omar entering some houses at night. One in particular, he visited every night. Talhah felt curious. Why would Omar visit that house every night? In the morning, he visited that house. When he knocked on the door, an old woman’s voice invited him in. Talhah walked in to find that the woman was blind and lived alone. He asked her, “Who is that man who visits you every day?”
She answered, “I don’t know him. Every night, he brings me some food and attends to my needs.”
During one of his night patrols, Omar saw a tent that wasn’t at that place the night before.
A man was sitting outside looking distressed. A moaning sound came from inside the tent. Omar walked over towards the man. He greeted him and said, “Where are you from?”
The man said, “I’m a Bedouin. I’ve come seeking help from the prince of believers.”
Omar asked, “And what is that moaning noise I hear?”
The man said, “My wife is going through labour.”
Omar asked, “Does she have someone to help her give birth?”
The man answered in the negative. Omar immediately took off towards his house. He asked his wife, Um-Kolthoom, Would you be interested in earning Allah’s reward for a good deed?”
Um-Kolthoom asked, “What deed is that?”
He said, “A woman is about to give birth, and she has no one to help her.”
Um-Kolthoom said, “Sure. Let’s do it.”
She prepared all the things she would need. Omar brought a sack of flour and some butter. He carried the stuff and led Um-Kolthoom to the tent. Um-Kolthoom entered to help the woman while Omar sat with her husband outside.
“Kindle the fire,” Omar said to the man. He then started to prepare some food.
A while later, Um-Kolthoom called from inside the tent, “O prince of believers, tell your companion that he has a baby boy.”
On hearing her words, the man stepped back. When he learned that the man serving him and his wife was Omar himself, he was shocked.
Omar calmed him down. He gave the pot to Um-Kolthoom and said, “Feed the woman.”
A while later, Um-Kolthoom placed the pot at the tent’s entrance. Omar carried it to the man, and said, “Now you eat as well. You have spent a hard night.” He then called Um-Kolthoom out and said to the man, “Come to me in the morning. I will attend to your needs.”
The next morning, the man went to Omar. Omar granted him what he asked for. He also added his child’s name to the records of the newborn. Based on the law Omar had placed, every newborn deserved a share from the grains house.
After the famine was over, Omar continued to serve the people and attend to their needs. He established new irrigation projects to help cultivate more land. He issued a law allowing whoever reclaims a piece of land to own it. He issued a warning to farm owners. ‘If they didn’t attend to their lands for two consecutive years for no reason, its ownership would move to the state.’ He visited Sham and checked on its people. He asked them about his deputies’ performance. Most people expressed their content. Omar asked to stay as a guest at Companion Abu-Obaydah Ibn Al-Jarrah’s house. When he entered, he found nothing but a sword, a shield, and a small traveling kit. Omar asked out of pity, “Why didn’t you put some furniture in the house?” Abu-Obaydah said, “O prince of believers, that’s enough to take me to my destination.”
That was how the prophet’s companions viewed this life. It’s nothing but a trip one has to take. The real abode is that of the hereafter. May Allah be pleased with them. May Allah revive their spirits in our hearts and minds. Amen.
In the last year of his life, Omar performed pilgrimage. He said, “If I live to the next year, I will visit all the countries in the region. I will listen to the people’s demands and make sure they are taken care of. O Allah, the number of my subjects has increased vastly. My ability to fulfill their needs is getting weaker. Let me return to you without being negligent or disregardful.”
Omar was a sincere Just ruler. His people loved him. This was regarded as a huge threat by Muslims’ enemies. On top of those were the Magi Persians. A magi named Abu-Lo’Lo’ah from Persia traveled to Madinah. He met Omar and asked for his permission to live in Madinah and learn about Islam. On seeing that the man had his family with him, Omar accepted. He gave him a house and a job that fitted his knowledge. That man was a weasel. He watched Omar for weeks. He plotted silently and waited for the proper time to carry out his secret mission. One day, during Al-Fajr prayers, Abu-Lo’Lo’ah jumped from between the lines and stabbed Omar six times in the back. The companions grabbed the criminal but it was too late. When Omar turned and saw Abu-Lo’Lo’ah, he said, “All praises be to Allah. My killer is not a Muslim.”
The companions carried Omar home. Physicians tried to save him, but their trials were in vain. Omar ordered his son Abdullah to visit the Prophet’s wife, Lady ‘A’ishah. “Ask for her permission to let me be buried next to my companions, the prophet and Abu-Bakr.”
Lady ‘A’ishah accepted saying, “I hoped to be buried next to my husband and my father. Nonetheless, I won’t deny a dying man his wish. Verily, he is a good man.”
Abdullah hurried back and informed his father that she accepted his demand. Yet, Omar said, “Ask for her permission again after I die. Maybe she is embarrassed to refuse while I live still.”
Omar died at the age of 63 like Prophet Muhammad and Abu-Bakr. After his death, his body was buried next to his companions as he wished. Together they stayed in life, together they lie buried in death, and together they shall be revived on the judgment day. 1400 years have passed since their death. Their bodies lie still where Lady ‘A’ishah’s room once stood next to the prophet’s mosque. Millions of Muslims visit their graves every year. They visit them and remember their marvelous struggle to make victorious what’s right. They tell their stories to their children and teach them how they lived. From one generation to the next, they live in our tales, history, deeds, and legacy. What a magnificent legacy that is.
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